Varsity Girls’ Conference win is first in school history.
Donahue Academy congratulates both the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer Teams on winning the Paradise Coast Athletic Conference Championships. Both teams enjoyed winning seasons built on hard work and dedication, resulting in this historic feat.
The Boys’ team went into the Conference semi-finals with fuel from a 10-game winning streak (snapped the week prior by a 4-1 loss to Community School), and the boys had no trouble dispatching the Village School, 3-1. In the finals they faced a determined Marco Island but came out on top, 2-1, giving them the PCAC trophy for the third year in a row. Finishing with a regular season record of 14-2, the Shamrocks have proven themselves hard to beat and should do well in their upcoming FHSAA District Tournament.
The team’s hard work and determination has been apparent in every game and practice. When asked to what he credited the team’s overall success, Coach Tyler Graham said, “Theologically, I am thankful for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every practice and game, we entrust our season to her.” Speaking practically, Coach Graham attributed the team’s success to “strength at all positions (including bench) and a senior leadership generating humility and discipline.”
Donahue also congratulates the Girl’s Varsity Team on winning the PCAC Championship for the first time in school history. The girls faced Marco Island in the semi-finals and dominated the pitch, winning 4-0 and sending them to face Mason Classical, to whom the Shamrocks had lost earlier in the season. But MCA was nowhere near repeating that feat, being shut down from the game’s opening minutes by a beautiful long shot by Elizabeth Burke from yards outside the box. MCA never recovered, suffering a 7-0 loss at the hands of the Shamrocks.
The girls have had a successful season, showing excellence in all areas of play. Senior striker Mikayla Allan, with an average of 2 goals per game, and senior midfielder Vivian Luzarraga, with an average of 1.4 assists per game, were a deadly combination, working together to lead Donahue to their 12-3-1 season record. Senior defensive players Rebecca Shmina and Celina Perreault consistently shut down the opposing offense, and rookie goalkeeper sophomore Alyssa Clement racked up an impressive first-year goals-against average of 1.8.
And while they may sometimes dominate other teams, the girls’ sportsmanship features in every game. They do not simply play to win, they play for love of the game and ultimately, for God, showing self-control, humility, and grace under often rough and tumble play.
Coach Landon Fulmer praised the girls’ perseverance, noting that “this was a full-team, full-program win that had everything to do with the girls’ commitment. They earned this championship–and the banner that will soon hang in the gym–with hard work!”
We are proud of the efforts of both Varsity teams and wish them success as they head into District finals.
Go Shamrocks!
